Gibson ES-137 Classic Electric Guitar (with Case)

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zZounds Gear Experts Say...

The Gibson ES-137 is a continuation of a guitarist's classic. With the familiar archtop semi-hollowbody, the Gibson ES-137 has unmistakable tone.

Overview

The Gibson ES-137 is a modern classic in the making. Bringing a Les Paul edge to a classic archtop design, the ES-137 is an extremely versatile instrument capable of both mellow jazz and blazing rock tones. First introduced in 2002, the ES-137 has already earned a reputation as a one-of-a-kind Gibson guitar. As a semi-hollowbody, the ES-137 is excellent for jazz, while its distinct features and design elements make it an outstanding rock axe as well.

A Gibson Like No Other

Though at first glance, the ES-137 looks much like any number of other Gibson single cutaways archtops, a closer inspection reveals just how many unique features this tone machine has in store. For one, the body is is a bit thinner than an ES-175. The thinner body makes the guitar easier to hold, works to reduce feedback, and also makes for a bit tighter sound overall. Also unlike a more traditional single-cutaway, the ES-137 houses a solid mahogany centerblock which increases sustain and works to reduce feedback. Rounding out the list, the ES-137 uses a combination of a 490R and a 498T humbuckers as are often found on Les Pauls and SGs. The combination of these hotter pickups with the solid mahogany centerblock results in a semi-hollowbody guitar with all the bite of a classic Gibson solidbody.

Features:

- Single cutaway semi-hollowbody with solid mahogany centerblock
- Laminate maple top, back and sides, with three-piece maple neck
- Attractive trapazoidal inlays with unique emblam on twelfth fret… read more
- Deep, Florentine-style cutaway
- Stylish burst-style finishes which highlight natural grain of maple
- Included Gibson hardshell case

Bringing a Les Paul edge to a stylish semi-hollowbody design, the ES-137 is a unique Gibson guitar. Equally well suited for rock and jazz, this versatile guitar is already becoming a modern classic.

Specs

Body: Curly laminated Maple top, back, and rims

Body Dimensions: 16 in. (W) x 20 in. (L) x 2-1/4 in. (D)

Binding: Multi-ply cream binding on top, single-ply on back and neck

Hardware: Chrome or Gold

Bridge: Nashville tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece

Neck: 3-piece Maple

Fingerboard: 22-fret Rosewood

Inlays: Pearloid trapezoid

Neck Profile: Rounded

Scale Length: 24-3/4 in.

Nut Width: 1-11/16 in.

Tuners: Grover keystone

Pickups: 490R and 498T humbucking

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector switch

Strings: Brite Wire .010

Includes: Black levant case

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-444-2766

Gibson's Description

Gibson ES-137 Classic Electric Guitar

The ES-137 Classic combines 2 classics -- the look of Gibson's single-cutaway semi-hollowbody guitars and the hot sound of a Gibson Les Paul Classic. The 490R and 498T humbucking pickups, plus trapezoid fingerboard inlays with an engraved "C" in the 12th-fret inlay, identify this new classic model.

Reviews

(41 ratings)

Submitted December 6, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Gibson ES-137 Classic -- A True Modern Classic!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

I look for three main things in an instrument: tone, playability, and how it makes me feel -- how it makes me play. Every time I pick this guitar up it speaks to me and sings for me. What else is there? If something happended to it, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

Sound
The ES-137 Classic is a versatile instrument. My other electrics are a Fender Deluxe Ash Strat and a modified Highway One Tele. I was looking for a good humbucker-equipped guitar. I use it primarily for jazz but it is equally good for stuff like T-Bone, Chuck Berry, Scotty Moore, and B.B. King. Think ES-335 except more "air" and depth. It also is capable of some real nasty Les Paul sounds on the bridge pickup. I play through a Fender '63 Reissue Vibroverb (w/replacement speakers and tubes) and the combination produces the range of sounds I was looking for. But, this is NOT a thrash metal guitar. It has a vintage blues/jazz vibe.

Features
Two pickups with separate volume and tone controls and a three-way selector switch. All of the materials are top-notch. At the time I bought it I was wishing I could order it with Classic '57 pickups but I'm generally happy with the PUs that came with the guitar. I suppose it's possible that I might swap out the neck pickup at some point but it's fine the way it is.

Ease of Use
Plays like a dream.

Quality
The guitar itself is well made and beautiful. I… read more have to deduct a few points though. The case still had a little sawdust in it from the factory and the finish had some dull spots -- a little rubbing compound dust was coming off of it. I gave it a good clean and polish and she cleaned up real nice -- now the finish is flawless. I have the Triburst and the color is better than the pictures. The burst on mine starts black, goes gradually to a deep wine red then fades to the golden flame in the center. It also needed a good pro setup but, in my experience, they all do. I'm not worried at all about how it will hold up over time.

Value
I think this is one of the best values in the Gibson line. If you compare the materials, the bound body and neck, etc. with other Gibsons (like a 335) this goes for about half of what they charge for others and several hundred dollars less than a LP Standard.

Manufacturer Support
I gave this a "9" only because I haven't needed support and that's worth a "9" to me. Can't say how they might respond if I did.

The Wow Factor
I've been through an awful lot of guitars over the years. I only keep those that look great and feel "right" to me. This baby is a definite keeper.

Musical Background:
Former pro, now hobbyist

Musical Style:
Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock and Original

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